Module 2 - Risk of Suicidal Behavior
Transcript
Module 2: Risk of Suicidal Behaviour
When, Who, and Why?
1. In this section, you will explore how the risk of suicide varies across different life stages, learn about age-specific risk factors, and discover key protective factors.
2. When someone dies by suicide, we often ask what led them to this decision. Suicide is a complex phenomenon, never caused by a single factor. Instead, it results from a combination of factors, both individual and social or environmental. Factors that increase the risk of suicidal behavior are known as risk factors, while those that reduce risk and strengthen resilience are called protective factors.
3. The influence of risk and protective factors can be visualized using the symbolism of a ball representing an individual. When the ball is at the top of a hill, it signifies good mental health. Rolling downhill represents increasing mental distress. Risk factors act as forces that push the ball downward, contributing to a decline in mental health. In contrast, protective factors slow the descent, stop the movement, or even push the ball back uphill toward well-being and resilience.
4. Risk and protective factors occur at different levels: individual, interpersonal, community, and societal. The individual level involves personal traits and internal experiences. The interpersonal level includes relationships with family and friends. The community level refers to local communities and broader social networks. The societal level involves cultural norms, policies, and systemic influences.
5. On the individual level, several factors increase suicide risk. A past suicide attempt is the strongest predictor of future suicidal behavior, with the highest risk occurring in the first week and an elevated risk lasting up to two years. Mental illnesses, particularly depression, significantly increase risk, as do addiction issues, where substance use impairs judgment and intensifies distress. This is especially relevant for adolescents and young adults, for whom substance use is a particularly important risk factor. Chronic illnesses and pain raise the risk for all individuals, but the risk factor is especially significant for older adults, who face the highest risk of suicide. They may experience vulnerabilities such as menopause, advanced stages of cancer, cognitive decline, and other conditions that limit social participation and significantly affect daily functioning and emotional well-being. In general, across all age groups, men and boys are at greater risk than women, largely due to differences in coping strategies, lower rates of help-seeking, and the use of more lethal methods. However, girls and women are more likely to experience mental health difficulties and to attempt suicide, though their attempts are less likely to result in death. Additionally, certain personality traits—such as high impulsivity, aggression, neuroticism, and perfectionism—are linked to a higher likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Some of these traits may be especially pronounced during adolescence, posing a risk for individuals in this age group. Certain life events can significantly worsen one's mental health and increase the risk of suicide, particularly for individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. These may include poor academic performance or relationship problems in youth, job loss or divorce in adulthood, and the loss of a spouse in older age. It is crucial to pay close attention to individuals who express feelings of hopelessness or feeling trapped, as these emotional states can obscure possible solutions and significantly increase vulnerability to suicide.
6. Interpersonal factors can significantly impact suicide risk. A family history of suicide may shape coping patterns and increase vulnerability, while feelings such as guilt and shame can prevent grieving individuals from seeking help. Relationship conflicts, especially domestic violence, heighten risk for everyone involved. Being single or divorced is also linked to a higher risk, though many single individuals lead fulfilling lives. However, not having a partner can lead to feeling lonely, disconnected and unable to share one’s struggles, often due to fear of burdening others, which can deepen distress and increase risk. Loneliness might be more pronounced in younger and older adults.
7. At the community level, several factors can increase the risk of suicidal behavior. Traumatic experiences, such as violence, abuse, bullying, or financial and academic difficulties, can have lasting effects on mental health. Discrimination against minority groups causes deep emotional pain, leading to feelings of rejection, stigma, and isolation, while also reinforcing negative self-perception. Migration or relocation can bring challenges in adapting to new environments, often resulting in loneliness, especially when paired with discrimination. Large-scale events like natural disasters or war can also elevate risk by undermining safety and stability, though in some cases, they may strengthen social bonds and reduce suicide rates.
8. At the societal level, several factors influence suicide risk. Irresponsible media coverage, including graphic depictions of suicide methods, sensationalism, or the glorification of suicide, can contribute to increased suicidal behavior, a phenomenon known as the Werther effect. Media reporting and other forms of social influence can shape a culture with harmful collective attitudes that normalize suicidal behavior and discourage help-seeking. Nevertheless, stigma surrounding mental health and seeking support remains a major barrier, preventing many from reaching out in times of need. Socio-economic factors, such as poverty, long-term unemployment, and low education levels, are also strongly linked to increased risk. Finally, timing plays a role—suicides tend to occur more often at certain times of the week, during spring, after holidays, or on personally significant dates, such as anniversaries or birthdays. 9. We’ve now explored the factors that increase a person’s risk of suicidal behavior. Understanding these risk factors helps us identify individuals who may be more vulnerable. But it’s just as important to recognize the factors that protect against suicide, known as protective factors.
10. At the individual level, several protective factors can reduce the risk of suicidal behavior. Positive self-esteem and a hopeful, optimistic outlook help individuals remain resilient in the face of challenges. When faced with traumatic experiences, some individuals undergo a shift in priorities, which can lead to personal growth and strengthen their ability to cope. Strong social and communication skills support connection with others and increase the likelihood of seeking help when needed. People who are open to seeking support, whether formal or informal, are more likely to find relief and recover. Additionally, finding meaning in life through relationships, activities, values, or spirituality can protect against suicidal thoughts. These qualities can be nurtured and strengthened over time.
11. At the social level, a range of protective factors can reduce the risk of suicidal behavior. Supportive interpersonal relationships with family, friends, and close others, are key, as they help individuals feel less alone and more capable of coping with distress. A safe, stable, and non-violent environment fosters emotional security. Social inclusion, especially efforts to combat discrimination and promote acceptance, strengthens resilience, particularly for younger and older adults and marginalized groups. Strong community ties, built on trust and cooperation create a shared sense of responsibility and support, as well as enhance community participation, which can create a sense of purpose and belonging. Access to mental health and social services is also crucial, ensuring individuals can receive help before or during a crisis. Additionally, responsible media reporting that uses empathetic language, highlights sources of help, and focuses on a person’s life and struggles rather than their death, promotes a society where distress is seen as something that can be managed, not escaped. Finally, a high overall quality of life, with equal opportunities and access to resources, creates conditions where people feel supported, valued, and hopeful about the future.
12. It’s difficult to predict exactly how certain factors will affect an individual. Some people, despite facing major life challenges, find ways to stay optimistic, while others may struggle with seemingly smaller difficulties. This shows that different factors can impact people in different ways, which is why it's so important to talk to the person and understand their unique experience. You'll learn more about how to do this in Module 3.
13. In general, suicide prevention focuses on reducing risk factors where possible and strengthening protective factors. Being aware of these not only helps in prevention but also allows us to better recognize when someone may be at risk. To learn more, continue to thenext video, where you’ll find out how suicidal process evolves and how people thinking about suicide often communicate their distress.